Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL)

IFL features and product details

Extensive processing capacity

The IBM® z14® mainframe server supports up to 170 user-configurable IFLs and the z14 Model ZR1 server supports up to 30 user-configurable IFLs. An IFL delivers the same functionality as a “standard” processor on an IBM Z® mainframe server. It is designed to operate asynchronously with standard processors.

Designed for performance

First introduced in the z13 and enhanced in the new z14 mainframe, an IFL supports enhanced Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) and Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) technologies to improve performance capability. An IFL is always a full capacity processor, independent of the capacity of the other processors in the server.

Flexibility to add IFLs

IFL technology supports On/Off Capacity on Demand (O/O CoD), Capacity Upgrade on Demand for the non-disruptive addition of one or more IFLs and Capacity BackUp (CBU) for emergency situations.

High speed communication

IBM Z® HiperSockets™ functionality provides high speed communication between logical partitions. HiperSockets can be used for communication between Linux images or Linux and the z/OS®, z/VSE® and z/TPF operating system images.

Manageable by PR/SM or IBM Dynamic Partition Manager

IFL is manageable by PR/SM™ or IBM Dynamic Partition Manager in logical partition (LPAR) with dedicated or shared processors. The implementation of an IFL requires a LPAR definition, following normal LPAR activation procedure.

No affect to MSU rating

An IFL does not increase charges for IBM Z software running on “standard” processors in the server. It does not affect the MSU rating or the IBM Z model designation. z/VM® and IBM Wave, and most IBM Linux middleware products are priced per IFL with an one-time-charge and an annual, optional maintenance charge. Many software vendors have adopted the IBM pricing model for Linux workloads.

Widely available and supported

IFL is available for all models of IBM z14, z13, z13s, IBM zEnterprise® EC12 (zEC12), IBM zEnterprise BC12 (zBC12). It is can be ordered as an IBM Z hardware feature; the number of features varies by server model/configuration. It is supported by the Linux operating system for IBM Z, IBM z/VM, IBM Wave for z/VM, KVM and container technologies.